Premier League: Signings of the summer so far

The most dramatic of transfers tend to occur during the last few weeks of the transfer window. However, the Premier League has seen some high-profile deals take place already. Here, we look at 10 of the best summer signings so far.

10) Maarten Stekelenburg – Roma to Fulham

Stekelenburg is one of Europe’s most underrated keepers, having played for Roma, Ajax and the Dutch national team. Fulham, who are in dire need of a better goalkeeper and defence, conceded 60 times last season.

9) Kolo Touré – Manchester City to Liverpool

Toure proved an important signing for the Citizens after their 10th place finish in the 2008/09 season. Initially given the captain’s armband by Mark Hughes, he was quickly out of favour after testing positive in a routine drugs test. The Ivorian defender was handed a six-month ban, making just 14 league appearances last season.

For Liverpool, a defender of Toure's quality will help fill the void left by Jamie Carragher, following his retirement at the end of last season.

8) Iago Aspas – Celta Vigo to Liverpool

With 12 goals in 34 matches, Aspas will be looking to prove himself in a Liverpool side that look likely to lose Luis Suárez this summer.

With Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho alongside him, Aspas will shine in the Premier League due to his speed and fabulous positioning.

He made seven assists for Celta Vigo last season, bringing his total to an impressive 19 goals in 34 matches.

7) Andre Schurrle – Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has acquired the services of the former Bayer Leverkusen starlet and will now have an attacking midfield that is truly world-class.

The likes of Oscar, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, and now André Schürrle means that Chelsea are going to be a side that hit opponents hard on the counter attack.

Add to that a resurgent Fernando Torres, Ramires and Romelu Lukaku, and the Stamford Bridge outfit have a forward line to be feared.

Last season, Schurrle netted 11 goals and has seven assists to his name in 34 Bundesliga outings.

6) Modibo Diakité – Lazio to Sunderland

Sunderland have had an outstanding summer so far, signing three top players for free.

Heading that list is former Lazio man Modibo Diakité. Standing at 193cm and packed with strength, pace, and experience in what is arguably the world’s most defensive league (Serie A), the Frenchman looks like a bargain.

Sunderland saw their own net shake 54 times last season, and three defensive transfers including Adilson Tavares Varela (commonly known as Cabral), Valentin Roberge and Diakité show it's an issue Paolo Di Canio is well aware of.

5) Jonathan de Guzman - Villarreal to Swansea City

Michael Laudrup has moved quickly to bring Jonathan de Guzman back to the Liberty Stadium for another year, following his successful loan spell last term.

Last season, the 25-year-old scored eight goals - including a brace in the 5-0 Capital One Cup success over Bradford City - and his performances earned him international recognition with the Netherlands.

4) Fernandinho - Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester City

It's hard to understand why Manchester City were not able to push Manchester United further in pursuit of the title last season.

Former Real Madrid and Málaga manager Manuel Pellegrini identified the midfield as City’s weakness, with the Citizens turning to Fernandinho to solve the problem.

He will act as a box-to-box defensive midfielder, capable of running past defenders and firing screamers at Premier League keepers from all sorts of ranges.

City now have Yaya Touré, Fernandinho, and Javi García as pure defensive midfielders which will give attacking players like Samir Nasri and David Silva more freedom to attack and create danger for opposition teams.

3) Ricky van Wolfswinkel – Sporting CP to Norwich City

The Canaries finished 11th in the 2012/13 season, with 14 draws, 14 defeats, and a goal difference of -17.

With only 41 goals to their name, Norwich scored less goals than Wigan and Reading, who were both relegated last season. This is why Ricky van Wolfswinkel was an excellent option for manager Chris Hughton.

The 24-year-old Dutchman has netted 38 goals in 50 matches for Sporting in the Portuguese league. Norwich will be looking to improve their standing for next season and with Van Wolfswinkel and a tighter defence, they might finish in the top ten.

2) Andy Carroll – Liverpool to West Ham United

Having moved for £35 million from Newcastle to Liverpool, Andy Carroll was a flop at his former club, managing six goals in 44 league games.

For West Ham, Carroll scored seven goals in 24 games during a loan spell and is highly thought of by all at Upton Park.

When David Gold & David Sullivan sensed the England international was available on a permanent basis, they were quick to acquire his services.

1) Jesus Navas – Sevilla to Manchester City

Jesus Navas' top attribute is his pace - and he has lots of it.

Edin Džeko is strong in the air, and the former Sevilla man should be able to provide the necessary ammunition from the wings when Sergio Agüero is out of reach.

Having shone in the Confederations Cup, City fans cannot wait to see how their latest big-money recruit will fare in the Premier League.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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